If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly DIY gift this holiday season, this Sweet & Smokey BBQ Spice Rub is exactly what you need.
Made with whole-food ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, it takes just minutes to mix together and looks beautiful in small jars for gifting.
December can feel overwhelming— especially for those of us navigating stress, hormonal shifts, or simply trying to keep up with the season’s demands. The pressure to find the perfect gift, stay on budget, and still show up for everyone can leave us feeling depleted before the holidays even arrive.
That’s why I love recipes like this one: thoughtful, homemade, and rooted in nourishment rather than overwhelm.
Each year I run my FREE 25-Day Self-Care Advent Challenge Event, one tiny act of care a day to reduce stress and help women feel grounded again. Simple DIY gifts like this BBQ rub are part of that bigger mission: less stress, more presence, and a little extra joy in the kitchen.
Make It a Simple, Heartfelt Gift
Because this rub is made with simple pantry staples and no fancy equipment, it helps reduce the financial pressure that so often builds in December. A few small jars, some twine or ribbon, and a heartfelt note make a beautiful gift from the heart—with no overwhelm and no overspending.
This makes a wonderful gift for the BBQ lover, the home cook, the neighbour, the teacher, or anyone who appreciates good food made with care.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Smokey BBQ Rub
Made with organic, whole-food ingredients
Ready in under 5 minutes
No refined sugar—sweetened naturally with maple sugar
Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savoury
Budget-friendly DIY holiday gift
Makes enough for 12 gift jars
Versatile—use on meats, veggies, roasted potatoes, and more
Simple enough for even the most exhausted December brain
Sweet & Smokey BBQ Spice Rub
A mildly spicy, sweet, and smoky all-purpose seasoning made with organic whole-food ingredients. Perfect for BBQ meats, roasted veggies, and so much more—and it makes a beautiful budget-friendly DIY holiday gift.
Equipment
- 12 3.4oz jars or ANY containers or bags you like for gifting
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple sugar you can use light brown sugar too
- 1/2 cup smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fine pink sea salt
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup onion powder
- 4 tbsp ancho powder
- 2 tbsp fine black pepper
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp oregano
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined, breaking up any clumps from the maple sugar.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired! We are all unique. Add more maple sugar for sweetness, more smoked paprika for smokiness, or more black pepper for heat.
- Spoon into small jars (3.4 oz works perfectly) and seal tightly. Add a label or ribbon for gifting, free printable tags below! OR if you are just making it for you, store in a mason jar in your pantry.
Notes
How to Use Sweet & Smokey BBQ Rub
- Rub generously on chicken, pork, beef, or ribs before grilling or roasting
- Sprinkle on roasted vegetables or potatoes
- Season burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf
- Add to marinades or salad dressings for a smoky kick
- Toss with nuts for a savoury snack
- Sprinkle on popcorn for movie night
- Use as an all-purpose seasoning any time you want bold, smoky-sweet flavour
Storage
Store your BBQ rub in a sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, this rub will stay fresh for 3–6 months. Avoid storing near heat or in direct sunlight, which can cause the spices to lose potency.Gifting Tips
- Use 3–4 oz jars for perfectly portioned gifts
- Add a ribbon, twine, or festive fabric topper
- Include a small card with usage ideas
- Pair with grilling tools, a nice cut of meat, or a recipe card for a complete gift
- Reuse clean spice jars from your pantry to keep costs even lower
The Jars and Spices I Used + FREE Printable Labels
The spices I use come from OM Organics! Shop Via this link and use “REJOICE” at checkout for $10.00 off your order.
I love these jars for spices & herbs because they’re affordable, sturdy, and perfect for gifting:
Jars I used: AMAZON GIFTING SPICE JARS I USED
Or keep it even more budget-friendly by reusing clean small jars you already have at home.
